Simplifying Algebraic Fractions: Part-1

[Rupesh Gesota]

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Could you find the mistake in her first step of simplification of LHS expression?

I am sure many algebra teachers would agree with me that this is one of the most common mistakes students do while simplifying algebraic expressions. 

So, why would be they doing so? What could be the cause(s) for this effect? Why is it that this nonsense does not seem nonsense to them?

Actually, I had seen Poonam committing this mistake i.e. 'cancelling' the term x^2  (i.e. x squared) from Numerator (Nr) and Denominator (Dr), however I chose to not stop her and point out this mistake at that moment and I chose to keep my mouth shut and just allow her to go ahead with this mistake....  (Why?)

Soon, she found herself stuck up and asked me to help.. I don't know what struck me I rather asked her this question:

"I see you have cancelled out x^2 in Nr and Dr... Why don't you then even cancel out 'x' from Nr and Dr ?"

Check this link to know how this student too makes some of the most common mistakes and how another student could successfully communicate her sound understanding of these concept to her peer :)

 

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http://rupeshgesota.blogspot.in/2017/10/simplifying-algebraic-fractions-part-1.html

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Do

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share your views about this post... and If you find it useful, then fwd it around to other parents and teachers in your network....

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Thanks and Regards

Rupesh Gesota   Maths Educator, Program MENTOR
Mobile: +91 9594 02 03 04 Email: rupesh...@gmail.com Website: www.supportmentor.weebly.com Blog: www.rupeshgesota.blogspot.com

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